Why Proofreading Is One of the Best Jobs You Can Do While Traveling
If you want the freedom to travel and see the world while earning an income, consider a career in freelance proofreading. If it sounds too good to be true, it’s not! Below, we’ll explore the key reasons why proofreading is a fantastic travel-friendly career, and then we’ll share our top tips on making it work.
Why Proofreading Is a Great Job for Traveling
1. You Need Minimal Equipment
Traveling light is a big priority when you’re on the move, and proofreading doesn’t demand much heavy gear. In fact, you can get started with just:
- A laptop or tablet
- A reliable internet connection
- Word processing software (e.g., Microsoft Word or Google Docs)
This minimal setup means you can tuck your business under your arm wherever you go – be it a roadside café, an airport lounge, or a quiet corner of a train car.
2. It’s Flexible
As a freelance proofreader, you’re not tied to an office or a strict 9-to-5 schedule. You can work wherever, whenever – even if that’s halfway across the globe. This flexibility makes it easy to fit your work around sightseeing, catching up with friends, or hopping between destinations.
3. You Can Earn Extra Travel Funds
Let’s face it: Travel can be expensive, with flights, accommodation, and daily expenses adding up quickly. Proofreading provides a handy income stream to offset these costs. You can also take on extra projects when you want a bigger travel budget. Whether you’re proofreading full time or just as a side hustle, the extra earnings can make your trips more comfortable.
For some real-life inspiration, check out Samira’s story to see how she traveled the globe while freelancing, or read about Wendy’s experience proofreading at sea.
4. The Work Is Varied and Interesting
One of the biggest perks of freelance proofreading is the range of fascinating materials you’ll encounter. One day you might be fine-tuning a famous scientist’s biography and the next day, polishing a research paper on medieval history. If you have a specific area of interest – like academia or marketing – you can even niche down. Otherwise, enjoy the variety!
How To Proofread Successfully While Traveling
Now that you know why proofreading is a perfect fit for a travel lifestyle, let’s explore how to make it work in practical terms. From scheduling to essential gear, here are some top tips to stay productive on the road.
1. Plan Your Time Wisely
If you’re jet-setting, you’ll want to enjoy the sights as well as get work done. A well-organized schedule is your best friend when mixing business with pleasure:
- Use wait times wisely: Long layover or train ride? Plug in and chip away at projects between connections.
- Give yourself time to adjust: Traveling far often comes with jet lag, so allow a day or two to get comfortable in your new time zone before diving into demanding tasks.
- Stick to your schedule: If you work best in the mornings, proofread then and leave the rest of the day for exploring.
2. Temper Your Expectations
Working on a scenic beach while sipping cocktails may look dreamy on social media, but the reality is that beaches often lack decent Wi-Fi – and sand and keyboards do not get along! Cafés can also be noisy, so you might find yourself tethered to a desk or workspace for part of the day. Don’t worry: You’ll still get plenty of time to explore. But if you want to make this a lifestyle rather than a holiday, be prepared to dedicate time to real, focused work too.
3. Think About Your Workspace
Where you work matters just as much as when you work. Consider:
- The privacy and comfort of your hotel room or Airbnb
- A quiet local café or library (if they have strong, stable Wi-Fi)
- A coworking space, if you prefer a more office-like vibe
Make sure your chosen spot is quiet enough for calls, has good internet speed, and isn’t full of distractions. It may take some trial and error in each destination, but finding a comfortable work area is key to maintaining productivity.
4. Bring Essential Gear
While proofreading doesn’t demand much equipment, a few additional items can greatly improve your work experience. As well as your computer, helpful equipment may include:
- Noise-cancelling headphones or a white noise machine for loud environments
- Ethernet cables or a personal hotspot for internet backup
- Plug adapters if you’re traveling internationally
- Hard copies of reference materials and offline access to projects
- Spare laptop batteries or a power bank for places without outlets
And don’t forget to keep your laptop up to date with antivirus software and warranties or insurance, just in case trouble strikes away from home.
5. Protect Your Data
Public Wi-Fi networks – like those in airports and cafés – aren’t always secure. To safeguard your work (and client documents), consider using a virtual private network (VPN) and regularly backing up your files. Storing critical projects in secure cloud services can be a lifesaver if your device is lost or damaged. Data security is essential when you’re on the move, so make it a priority wherever you set up shop.
6. Communicate with Your Clients
There is nothing worse than having a client call you at three in the morning because they didn’t realize you were in another time zone. Likewise, clients may not be happy if they can’t get an urgent document checked because they didn’t know you were on a flight.
As such, you should always inform clients when you will be travelling, as well as letting them know the time difference and the best way of contacting you. Using scheduling tools like Calendly or Google Calendar can help you coordinate deadlines and meetings.
If any emergencies arise (“I spilled coffee on my laptop!”), inform them immediately so they can adjust their timelines or find alternate help if needed.
7. Consider Financial and Tax Obligations
Before you set off on your travels, think about the following points to avoid surprises:
- Payment Methods: Make sure you have reliable ways to receive money globally. Platforms like PayPal, Wise (formerly TransferWise), or Payoneer are popular choices for cross-border payments.
- Tax Requirements: Every country has different tax regulations, and your home country may have specific filing requirements if you’re earning abroad. While we can’t give legal advice, it’s wise to do your research or consult an accountant for peace of mind.
8. Find a Community
Working solo doesn’t have to be lonely, especially if you know where to find your people:
- Networking: Join digital nomad groups on social media, or look for local meetups in coworking spaces. You never know where you’ll find potential client leads or a friendly face on the road.
- Professional Support: Consider joining editorial associations or online proofreading communities. Having a network of peers gives you quick access to advice, industry updates, and camaraderie.
Becoming a Proofreader
Convinced that proofreading could be the perfect travel-friendly job for you? Our Becoming A Proofreader course has everything you need to start your own freelance proofreading business – even if you have no prior experience.
Plus, if you pass with a distinction (80% or above) in both Becoming A Proofreader and Becoming An Editor, you’re guaranteed work with our partner company, Proofed. Buy both courses together, and you’ll save 15%!
Ready to get started? You can try two free lessons today. Jump in and see for yourself how fulfilling a proofreading career can be.
Updated on April 7, 2025
Your email address will not be published.